As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I s As I enter the final year of my 30s, I thought I share with you some pictures of mine at 9 months, 9 years, 19 years, 29 years  to today 39 years old of age. Looking back at each decade, I feel both ‘older’ and ‘younger’, I see the change in my features, the change in my way of life, the change in my personality and the experience itched on my face. I am grateful for the life I have lived thus far and excited for the life I am yet to live. 
••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

2026 - 39, (Home, England), I am ready for this final year before my 40s but also ready for this next decade. 
2016 - 29, (Oslo, Norway), this decade was about self discovery and building the life I dreamt about. The life that I am super proud of and truly grateful to be living. This decade, I built my financial life and in later years choose to heal from the trauma gained in the last decade and now I feel well equipped for the future. 
2006 - 19, (Glasgow, Scotland), I thought I was grown (look at the cheekbones 🤣🤣) and ready for the world, chiiiild was I wrong, let’s just say, I am still resolving the trauma the decade brought me but I am grateful because I met my best friends and made decisions for the future I wanted to have. (Spoiler alert - I did better than I dreamed). 
1996 - 9, (Home, Zambia) this was my birthday but my little sister insisted she had to be the one in the middle. The only way we knew whose birthday it was, was by standing in the middle but this year I remember baby sister crying her eyes out and refusing 🤨
1988 - 9 months, (Chililabombwe, Zambia) although my mother looks tired and traumatised😟, I know I was loved and happy. 
#happybirthday #happybirthday❤️ #newera #39
Attended #ascotraces for the second year running a Attended #ascotraces for the second year running and I am glad to have experienced the ‘Village enclosure’ this year, whilst I loved ‘Windsor enclosure’ last year, it’s not for me. Next year, I want Queen Anne’s enclosure. 💕 #girlsdayout #girlslikeus #ascotfashion
How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰 #hertripsabroad #bla How I missed you my love 🥰🥰🥰

#hertripsabroad #blackgirlstraveltoo #maldives #neverstopexploring #welltravelled
Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london Tried being a #touristforaday and we chose #london because why not. My feet still hurt from the thought of how much walking we did, the fact that we walked from #bigben to #buckinghampalace is still fresh on my mind. 

#neverstopexploring
🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 So much happened and 🖤🖤MARCH PHOTO/VIDEO DUMP🖤🖤 

So much happened and yet I can’t find the words.
It has been an amazing week here, definitely recom It has been an amazing week here, definitely recommend @iberostar in Agadir. 
#neverstopexploring #wanderlust #welltravelled #lifeofadventure #hertripsabroad
I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most rela I spent a week in #dohaqatar and had the most relaxing and fulfilling time of my life. Sometimes taking it slow and living in the moment is what the soul needs. 🥰🥰🥰
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 #hertripsabroad #solotravel #solotravelingisfun 
#blackgirlstraveltoo
I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after no I had such an amazing week in Doha, Qatar after not visiting for almost 8years. 📍

#qatar #doha #qatarphotoinstagram  #solo travel #travelbug bestvacations igtravel travelpic travelblog beautifuldestinations tlpicks instatravel roamtheplanet traveldeeper travelgram travelinspo wanderlust instapassport exploretheworld travelpics travelmore passionpassport travelawesome lonelyplanet travelblogger travelphotography traveltheworld worldtraveler
Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the ye Happy New Year, happy 2026 #firstpicture of the year.
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A July Dreamer

A Travel & Lifestyle Blog

Home · August 29, 2025

Simple and Cost-Effective Ways to Boost the Value of Your Home

For many UK homeowners, adding value to a property doesn’t have to mean major renovations or large financial outlays. Easy, affordable changes can make your home more attractive to buyers while boosting its market value. 

 *Disclosure – This is a collaborative post.

From improving kerb appeal to redecorating your interiors, here are four practical ways to give your home a boost. 

Enhance Kerb Appeal

First impressions matter more than you might suspect when it comes to selling a home. A tidy, welcoming exterior can instantly lift your property’s value and attract more potential buyers. Simple updates like repainting your front door in a tasteful colour or replacing old house numbers can make a noticeable difference. 

Garden maintenance is just as important, so don’t put off mowing the lawn, trimming hedges, and planting seasonal flowers by the front door. Installing outdoor planters or pressure washing the driveway adds to your home’s overall presentation without eating into your finances. 

Upgrade Energy Efficiency

Rising energy costs and the growing awareness of the impacts of climate change in the UK have seen energy efficiency become a top priority for buyers. By making improvements in this area, you can cut household bills while raising the desirability of your home. 

Relatively affordable upgrades include adding loft insulation, sealing draughty windows and doors, or installing a smart thermostat. They can quickly pay for themselves in reduced energy costs, while bigger projects such as double-glazing or energy-efficient boilers can boost your property’s Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. Small energy efficiency upgrades can significantly improve your chances of receiving an offer.

Refresh Interior Spaces

A few thoughtful updates around your home can transform its look and appeal to a wide range of buyers. Fresh coats of paint in a neutral tone of off-white throughout the house create a blank canvas that enables buyers to imagine themselves living in the space. Take the time to update outdated fixtures like lighting and taps to give your home a contemporary edge without requiring a complete remodel.

If you have original features like wooden floors, sanding and resealing them can add character and aesthetic appeal. Once you’ve made improvements, it’s worth obtaining a professional property valuation to see how much they’ve increased your home’s market value. A trusted provider can help you understand your home’s actual value after updates and guide you on the best time to sell.

Optimise Outdoor Spaces

Outdoor spaces are now considered extensions of living spaces, and creating an inviting garden can boost your home’s appeal. Add comfortable seating around an outdoor dining area, with illumination in the form of string lights or recessed LEDs along the pathway. 

Low-maintenance plants such as evergreens and perennials can keep the garden looking fresh without requiring excessive upkeep. Buyers often see a well-designed outdoor space as an extra ‘room’, a place for entertaining or working outdoors during the warmer months, which can significantly increase your home’s overall value. 

 

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I'm Miranda. Travel-Addict. Blogger. Moscato Addict. Weekend Escapist. Homebody. Countryside dweller residng in Oxfordshire.

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